01. PROJECT
SEASON 2023 – 2024
Over 40 new musical premieres. More than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs created. Over 2 million spectators. More than 170€ million in box office revenue. The numbers from the latest season prove that musical theatre is no fleeting trend in our country. It has become a thriving cultural and economic force, continually breaking records. From Madrid and Barcelona—cities that have made musicals a key tourist attraction—the phenomenon has spread across Spain, captivating audiences everywhere.
The story of this thriving rise, which positions Spain as the world’s third-largest player in musical theatre (after the United States and the United Kingdom), the second in Europe, and the number one globally in Spanish-language productions, is still being written.
It’s a story no one has told yet. We are going to tell it. Will you join us?
SEASON 2023 – 2024
Over 40 new musical premieres. More than 13,000 direct and indirect jobs created. Over 2 million spectators. More than 170€ million in box office revenue. The numbers from the latest season prove that musical theatre is no fleeting trend in our country. It has become a thriving cultural and economic force, continually breaking records. From Madrid and Barcelona—cities that have made musicals a key tourist attraction—the phenomenon has spread across Spain, captivating audiences everywhere.
The story of this thriving rise, which positions Spain as the world’s third-largest player in musical theatre (after the United States and the United Kingdom), the second in Europe, and the number one globally in Spanish-language productions, is still being written.
It’s a story no one has told yet. We are going to tell it. Will you join us?
02. FORMAT
02. FORMAT
The temptation to create a medley packed with hits and stars is strong, but it wouldn’t do justice to the last 50 years of musical theatre history in Spain.
We want to dazzle viewers with the work of the industry’s top professionals. But we also aim to tell the story with depth and accuracy—highlighting the struggles faced by the pioneers and giving them a voice.
We will uncover the milestones that marked the development and growth of an industry born from the passion of artisans, which has now evolved into a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
We will explore the challenges that lie ahead.
That is why we are creating a four-part, 50-minute documentary.
But don’t worry—no matter how deep we dive, we won’t forget the songs.
The temptation to create a medley packed with hits and stars is strong, but it wouldn’t do justice to the last 50 years of musical theatre history in Spain.
We want to dazzle viewers with the work of the industry’s top professionals. But we also aim to tell the story with depth and accuracy—highlighting the struggles faced by the pioneers and giving them a voice.
We will uncover the milestones that marked the development and growth of an industry born from the passion of artisans, which has now evolved into a hub of innovation and technological advancement.
We will explore the challenges that lie ahead.
That is why we are creating a four-part, 50-minute documentary.
But don’t worry—no matter how deep we dive, we won’t forget the songs.
03. HISTORY
03. HISTORY
For many years, zarzuela and variety theatre reigned on Spanish stages, resisting the influence of other genres like operetta or cabaret. Political change and growing cultural openness sparked the dreams of a few visionary artists eager to bring to life the revolutionary productions captivating audiences in London and New York.
Spain’s musical theatre journey is remarkable. From occasional productions in the early years to filling the theatres of our major cities, it’s a transformation worth exploring.
We want to tell this story with perspective, mapping a timeline from 1975 onwards—featuring premieres, key figures, the birth of production companies, and the musicals that have defined our nation’s theatre scene.
Who were these passionate pioneers? And what drove their obsession?
04. PROTAGONISTS
04. PROTAGONISTS
Performers
SING, DANCE, ACT... BUT THE RESULT IS SO MUCH MORE
When the curtain rises, they are there—becoming whoever they need to be, taking our hand and leading us to magical worlds.
This is a tribute to all of them, from international stars to lesser-known but indispensable talents.
Producers
AN ADVENTURE FOR RISK-TAKERS
They may be unknown to the general public, but they are deeply respected within the industry. Only they know what it takes to raise the curtain season after season: securing rights, commissioning adaptations, holding auditions, selecting the creative team, renting venues…
They make it all possible, driven by risk and determination. Taking on this madness requires not only courage but genius.
Creators
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF IMAGINATION TO TRANSPORT US TO NEW WORLDS
The masterminds behind every production. They bring ideas to life—writing scripts, composing music, designing sets, directing, choreographing, orchestrating, creating characters, lighting the stage, and engineering the sound that fills the theatre.
They are the creative force behind our universe.
Technicians
INVISIBLE TO THE AUDIENCE, ESSENTIAL TO THE SHOW
A musical is a complex machine powered by skilled hands. Dressed in black, hidden in the wings, they operate with mathematical precision, overcoming technical glitches without the audience ever noticing. They are only seen on opening night.
Though their faces remain unfamiliar, every magical moment on stage carries their signature. We are here to make them visible.
Venues
WHEN THERE ARE NO THEATRES, WE CREATE THEM
In recent years, musical theatre has driven the reopening and restoration of iconic venues. But it hasn’t stopped there—new performance spaces are continually emerging.
Historic buildings are repurposed to host new productions. Auditoriums, tents, and pavilions are built to meet the needs of the latest shows.
05. INDUSTRY
05. INDUSTRY
The rise of musical theatre has boosted a whole ecosystem of industries, multiplying its impact on the cultural sector. Musicals are made possible by companies working behind the scenes on production and marketing.
Construction, costume-making, lighting, and sound companies have evolved alongside the industry to meet the demands of large-scale productions. From audiovisual tech providers to modern ticketing platforms facilitating audience management—they all play a role.
Specialized training centers have emerged, some created by producers to develop talent tailored to their needs—especially for productions featuring children and young performers. Others offer official arts education or specialized courses in musical production and management.
PR agencies now focus exclusively on musical theatre premieres, and media outlets like Broadway World Spain keep the public informed. Podcasts like Teatro Musical Podcast embrace digital platforms, bringing fresh ideas into the scene.
Such rapid growth has also led to recognition. Awards like the Max, Godot, and Broadway World Spain Audience Awards celebrate this thriving industry. The PTM (Musical Theatre Awards) is already in its 16th edition.
The rise of musical theatre has boosted a whole ecosystem of industries, multiplying its impact on the cultural sector. Musicals are made possible by companies working behind the scenes on production and marketing.
Construction, costume-making, lighting, and sound companies have evolved alongside the industry to meet the demands of large-scale productions. From audiovisual tech providers to modern ticketing platforms facilitating audience management—they all play a role.
Specialized training centers have emerged, some created by producers to develop talent tailored to their needs—especially for productions featuring children and young performers. Others offer official arts education or specialized courses in musical production and management.
PR agencies now focus exclusively on musical theatre premieres, and media outlets like Broadway World Spain keep the public informed. Podcasts like Teatro Musical Podcast embrace digital platforms, bringing fresh ideas into the scene.
Such rapid growth has also led to recognition. Awards like the Max, Godot, and Broadway World Spain Audience Awards celebrate this thriving industry. The PTM (Musical Theatre Awards) is already in its 16th edition.
06. NATIONAL
06. NATIONAL
A quick glance at the listings reveals that not all our biggest hits come from Broadway or the West End. Spanish creators have stunned us with original productions.
Some took the safe route, adapting bestsellers like The Physician, The Time in Between, or The Neverending Story. Others brought classic plays like Maribel and the Strange Family or films like When Harry Met Sally to the stage. Many turned the music of icons like Joaquín Sabina, Cole Porter, or Mecano into musicals.
There are shows inspired by radio (Estamos en el aire, Los 40 el Musical), cinema (Cegada de amor), and television (Mamá quiero ser famoso). Biographical musicals honor figures like Raquel Meller (Por los ojos de Raquel Meller) and Goya’s muse (La maja de Goya). And family favorites like Geronimo Stilton, Tadeo Jones, and Sherlock Holmes have found their way into musical adventures.
Smaller productions also deserve recognition for their originality. Shows like La Llamada, which made it to cinemas and later premiered in New York, or Pegados, which triumphed in Mexico, prove the global reach of Spanish talent. Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar has been a hit there for over a decade.
This growing international success reinforces Spain’s position as the world’s third musical theatre powerhouse.
A quick glance at the listings reveals that not all our biggest hits come from Broadway or the West End. Spanish creators have stunned us with original productions.
Some took the safe route, adapting bestsellers like The Physician, The Time in Between, or The Neverending Story. Others brought classic plays like Maribel and the Strange Family or films like When Harry Met Sally to the stage. Many turned the music of icons like Joaquín Sabina, Cole Porter, or Mecano into musicals.
There are shows inspired by radio (Estamos en el aire, Los 40 el Musical), cinema (Cegada de amor), and television (Mamá quiero ser famoso). Biographical musicals honor figures like Raquel Meller (Por los ojos de Raquel Meller) and Goya’s muse (La maja de Goya). And family favorites like Geronimo Stilton, Tadeo Jones, and Sherlock Holmes have found their way into musical adventures.
Smaller productions also deserve recognition for their originality. Shows like La Llamada, which made it to cinemas and later premiered in New York, or Pegados, which triumphed in Mexico, prove the global reach of Spanish talent. Hoy No Me Puedo Levantar has been a hit there for over a decade.
This growing international success reinforces Spain’s position as the world’s third musical theatre powerhouse.
07. TEAM
CURTAIN UP... WHO TAKES THE STAGE?
07. TEAM
